SubscribeSo basically the two things you need to look out for are as follows:
1.) If you’re an affiliate, you now have to disclose UPFRONT that you are being paid an affiliate commission for referring customers to the site you’re recommending.
From what I understand, this effects mainly bloggers who review products, like myself, or other big time bloggers. BUT, I’m no lawyer, and the way it reads could definately effect any and all affiliates because it’s super un clear as to what they are saying.
2.) You also have to go out of your way to tell everyone that the results acheived by your testimonials are Atypical, and should not be expected. From the way I’ve heard other bloggers such as Mike Fortin explain it, is that you not only have to say that the results are Atypical, but you have to say what the average results ARE…
So if the average customer doesn’t do anything with your product, you should probably say that on your sales page / review page.
Again, these new laws are super fuzzy, but if you ignore them, it means a hefty $11,000 fine for EACH offense. That adds up quickly.
I spent like 2 hours this morning editing every sales page and review blog I have. I know it’s a pain in the butt (trust me) but it’s that, or pay the FTC. You choose.
Just thought I’d give you guys the heads up. The above video will be prominently displayed on it’s own special “FTC Rules” page here at TacticTester.com from now on.
For the full FTC article, click here: FTC Publishes Final Guides Governing Endorsements, Testimonials
Jason Frovich
Posted on October 18th, 2009 at 2:16 pmBrain, you mentioned you “I spent like 2 hours this morning editing every sales page and review blog I have.”
What did u add, i checked out a few pages on this site and couldn’t see any disclaimer?
Brian
Posted on October 21st, 2009 at 10:56 pmHey Jason sorry for the delay in reply.
I basically just added a phrase at the end of each of my review sites that said something along the lines of “I’m an affiliate of this product and will be compensated if you purchase it through the link above….And you should know that results are not typical because most people don’t do anything with what they purchase.”..yadda yadda…
Here at TacticTester.com an entire new page has been created. It’s linked to the left sidebar.